Sports in America explores stories that shape athletes and fans alike. Each week, David Greene hosts in-depth conversations with people across the world of sports  – from the star who hits the game winner to the millions of us whose lives are touched by the game.From <a href="https://whyy.org/">WHYY</a> and <a href="http://prx.org">PRX</a>.

With nearly a dozen marathon titles and a handful of Olympic medals under her belt, Susannah Scaroni is one of the most decorated wheelchair racers in the world. But her story has been anything but easy. At just 5 years old, Susannah and her family were involved in an accident that paralyzed her from the waist down. This incident, and the many others she’d come to face, only motivated her more to become the elite athlete she is today.In this episode, Susannah sits down with host David Greene to talk about the sport of wheelchair racing, what it was like to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics, and the unexpected aftermath of the games that almost ended her racing career.Content warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and recovery. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can contact the <a href="https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/find-treatment/">National Alliance for Eating Disorders’ helpline</a> or the <a href="https://anad.org/get-help/eating-disorders-helpline/">ANAD helpline</a>. Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://will.illinois.edu/prairiefire/story/susannah-scaroni">Susannah Scaroni | Illinois Public Media</a></li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/pOSnpGCmK-g?si=Fe8K-3E2S1rsubip">WATCH: Susannah Scaroni wins 2025 Chicago Marathon | NBC Chicago</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-biBA1u4nw">Wheelchair Racing - Push Stroke Basics | Challenged Athletes Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EVydFCTSus">Scaroni breaks from pack during Tokyo’s 2020 Paralympics | NBC Sports</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a20795534/eat-like-an-elite-susannah-scaroni/">Eat like an Elite: Susannah Scaroni Runner's World</a> </li>
</ol>Show CreditsExecutive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan IsabellaSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

With nearly a dozen marathon titles and a handful of Olympic medals under her belt, Susannah Scaroni is one of the most decorated wheelchair racers in the world. But her story has been anything but easy. 
At just 5 years old, Susannah and her family were involved in an accident that paralyzed her from the waist down. This incident, and the many others she’d come to face, only motivated her more to become the elite athlete she is today.
In this episode, Susannah sits down with host David Greene to talk about the sport of wheelchair racing, what it was like to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics, and the unexpected aftermath of the games that almost ended her racing career.
Content warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and recovery. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders’ helpline or the ANAD helpline.
Show Notes

Susannah Scaroni | Illinois Public Media
WATCH: Susannah Scaroni wins 2025 Chicago Marathon | NBC Chicago
Wheelchair Racing - Push Stroke Basics | Challenged Athletes Foundation
Scaroni breaks from pack during Tokyo’s 2020 Paralympics | NBC Sports
Eat like an Elite: Susannah Scaroni Runner's World 
Show Credits
Executive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan Isabella
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Susannah Scaroni on the Magic Outside Your Comfort Zone

Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway had a stellar career in the NBA, from his time with Run TMC on the Warriors to the epic Heat/Knicks rivalry in the late 90’s. But maybe the biggest accomplishment in Tim’s career was the time he admitted he was wrong. This week, we talk about his new memoir “Killer Crossover,”  where Tim tells us about honing his craft in his hometown of Chicago, how his life on the court has changed his relationship with his son, and the ways his toughness on the court translated directly to his accountability off of it.Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVRE2Oxy6o0">Knicks @ Heat 1997 ECSF Deciding Game 7 Highlights | NBC</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x08xxlOJQzk">Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover | NBA</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781683585077/killer-crossover/">Killer Crossover | My Life from the Chicago Streets to Basketball Royalty</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqzWUxtukbA">Run TMC's High-Scoring Offense | NBA</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2013/07/25/tim-hardaway-gay-rights-champion/">Tim Hardaway: Gay rights champion | The Denver Post</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway had a stellar career in the NBA, from his time with Run TMC on the Warriors to the epic Heat/Knicks rivalry in the late 90’s. But maybe the biggest accomplishment in Tim’s career was the time he admitted he was wrong. This week, we talk about his new memoir “Killer Crossover,”  where Tim tells us about honing his craft in his hometown of Chicago, how his life on the court has changed his relationship with his son, and the ways his toughness on the court translated directly to his accountability off of it.
Show Notes

Knicks @ Heat 1997 ECSF Deciding Game 7 Highlights | NBC
Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover | NBA
Killer Crossover | My Life from the Chicago Streets to Basketball Royalty
Run TMC's High-Scoring Offense | NBA
Tim Hardaway: Gay rights champion | The Denver Post


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Tim Hardaway on Fatherhood, Failure, and Forgiveness

Pablo Torre is a podcaster, host, and one-of-a-kind media personality. He got his start as a fact checker for Sports Illustrated, then guest hosted shows on ESPN, and now has his own podcast called Pablo Torre Finds Out. His witty sense of humor and in-depth reporting, have made him one of the leading voices in the industry. In this episode, we see the world through Pablo’s unique lens and learn why he thinks sports are more vital than ever to break through the noise in our divided country.  Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw_JcErBj0w">The Bill Belichick Ring Video: Pablo Torre Found a New Tape — and Finally Solved the Mystery | PTFO</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pablo.show/p/how-we-investigated-jordon">How We Investigated Jordon | Pablo Torre</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OwzYk6OCFM">Kawhi Leonard Signed a Secret $28M Deal. Steve Ballmer Funded a Fraud. We Followed the Money. | PTFO</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2009/03/25/102326100/athletes-quick-to-go-broke">Athletes Quick To Go Broke | NPR</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUm2YgmBG1o">Watching the Dallas Cowboys on Death Row: Our Visit to a Supermax Prison | Pablo Torre</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Pablo Torre is a podcaster, host, and one-of-a-kind media personality. He got his start as a fact checker for Sports Illustrated, then guest hosted shows on ESPN, and now has his own podcast called Pablo Torre Finds Out. His witty sense of humor and in-depth reporting, have made him one of the leading voices in the industry. In this episode, we see the world through Pablo’s unique lens and learn why he thinks sports are more vital than ever to break through the noise in our divided country.  
Show Notes

The Bill Belichick Ring Video: Pablo Torre Found a New Tape — and Finally Solved the Mystery | PTFO
How We Investigated Jordon | Pablo Torre
Kawhi Leonard Signed a Secret $28M Deal. Steve Ballmer Funded a Fraud. We Followed the Money. | PTFO
Athletes Quick To Go Broke | NPR
Watching the Dallas Cowboys on Death Row: Our Visit to a Supermax Prison | Pablo Torre


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

The New Rules of Sports Reporting with Pablo Torre

Back in 2021, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was at his peak. He had just led his team to victory in the NFC Championship, and they went on to win the Super Bowl that year. But right at the top of his game, he suffered numerous serious injuries that could have ended his career. In this episode, we sit down with Chris, who is finally back on the field after a year out of the game, to talk about what it feels like to not play for weeks, months, or even seasons at a time. And we’ll hear from an expert about how an athlete, someone known for their strength and perseverance, can even begin to heal mentally from that experience.  Show Notes:<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOpm76awS8Y">Freezing Temps Don't Stop Chris Godwin from Racking Up 110 Yds | NFL</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/chris-godwin-nfl-tampa-bay-buccaneers-football">Half Man, Half Monster | The Players Tribune</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/10/22/chris-godwin-injury-update-timeline-buccaneers/86836371007/">How long is Chris Godwin out? Injury update, timeline for Bucs WR | USA Today</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.antonellacphotography.com/">Chris Godwin at the 2017 Rose Bowl | Antonella Crescimbeni</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgocZp-Jyuk">Chris Godwin Mic'd Up vs. the Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers </a></li>
</ol> Show Credits:Executive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan Isabella Senior Producer: Michael Olcott Producer: Michaela Winberg Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa Engineer: Mike Villers Tile Art: Bea Walling Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Back in 2021, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was at his peak. He had just led his team to victory in the NFC Championship, and they went on to win the Super Bowl that year. But right at the top of his game, he suffered numerous serious injuries that could have ended his career.


In this episode, we sit down with Chris, who is finally back on the field after a year out of the game, to talk about what it feels like to not play for weeks, months, or even seasons at a time. And we’ll hear from an expert about how an athlete, someone known for their strength and perseverance, can even begin to heal mentally from that experience. 


Show Notes:

Freezing Temps Don't Stop Chris Godwin from Racking Up 110 Yds | NFL
Half Man, Half Monster | The Players Tribune
How long is Chris Godwin out? Injury update, timeline for Bucs WR | USA Today
Chris Godwin at the 2017 Rose Bowl | Antonella Crescimbeni
Chris Godwin Mic'd Up vs. the Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers 


Show Credits:
Executive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan Isabella
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Chris Godwin on the Keys to Perseverance

In 2022, University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first trans woman to win a D1 NCAA title. Under pressure from the Trump administration, Penn stripped Lia of that title earlier this year, and banned future trans athletes from competing. For many people, Lia has come to symbolize the heated debate over whether trans athletes should be able to compete in women’s sports. Regardless of what side of the debate you're on, all this news hasn’t just been news to Lia. It’s been her real life, and people have long misunderstood her. In this episode, Lia sits down with host David Greene to dive into her journey: what it took for her to come out as trans in college and compete on the women’s team, while under an international microscope. Content warning: This episode discusses mental illness and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or thoughts of suicide, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting <a href="http://988lifeline.org/">988lifeline.org</a>.Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EX6LQcj19uhvK8Bf37Pa9?si=s2YMzW4ZSaiuePkU1FRuTA">Should trans women be included in sports? With Lia Thomas | Dear Schuyler </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dw.com/en/do-trans-women-have-an-unfair-athletic-advantage/a-58583988">Fact check: Do trans women have an unfair athletic advantage? | DW</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/02/nx-s1-5454369/upenn-swimming-records-feds-transgender-athletes">UPenn updates swimming records to settle with feds on transgender athletes case | NPR</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoria">What is gender dysphoria | American Psychiatric Association </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/03/29/transgender-athletes-stories-in-their-own-words/72857863007/">Transgender athletes face growing hostility: four tell their stories in their own words | USA Today</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea Walling Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

In 2022, University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first trans woman to win a D1 NCAA title. Under pressure from the Trump administration, Penn stripped Lia of that title earlier this year, and banned future trans athletes from competing. For many people, Lia has come to symbolize the heated debate over whether trans athletes should be able to compete in women’s sports. 
Regardless of what side of the debate you're on, all this news hasn’t just been news to Lia. It’s been her real life, and people have long misunderstood her. In this episode, Lia sits down with host David Greene to dive into her journey: what it took for her to come out as trans in college and compete on the women’s team, while under an international microscope.


Content warning: This episode discusses mental illness and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or thoughts of suicide, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org.
Show Notes

Should trans women be included in sports? With Lia Thomas | Dear Schuyler 
Fact check: Do trans women have an unfair athletic advantage? | DW
UPenn updates swimming records to settle with feds on transgender athletes case | NPR
What is gender dysphoria | American Psychiatric Association 
Transgender athletes face growing hostility: four tell their stories in their own words | USA Today


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling


Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Lia Thomas' Fight to Compete

Known for his brute strength and punishing style, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward made a name for himself as one of the best NFL running backs during the 90s. After his passing in 2006, his son Cameron continued his dad’s legacy by getting drafted to the Steelers and quickly becoming one of the premier defensive linemen in the game. A few years later, Craig’s youngest son, Connor, would join his brother in Pittsburgh and learn to pave his own way in the NFL. So what’s it like to be a Heyward? How do the pressures of living up to a family legacy compare to the pressure athletes put on themselves every day? And will this be the year Cam gets that elusive ring? We sit down with both brothers to find out. Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbvovdNqn5I">Craig Heyward Hall of Fame Nominee | Pitt Football </a></li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/KbMAeumZT-E?si=BWdQUytpM6m2nOSl">Chiefs vs. Steelers Week 4 Highlights, 2017 | NFL</a></li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/O7Jtn5G4y8A?si=ybcNkW3nmUesRkmX">Connor Heyward's first career touchdown | NFL</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frhGDC7ZJ_U">Cam Heyward shares emotional story about brother Connor’s first touchdown | All Steelers Talk</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/articles/cp92gzpd22vo">Why has Rodgers signed for the Steelers | BBC</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Known for his brute strength and punishing style, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward made a name for himself as one of the best NFL running backs during the 90s. After his passing in 2006, his son Cameron continued his dad’s legacy by getting drafted to the Steelers and quickly becoming one of the premier defensive linemen in the game. A few years later, Craig’s youngest son, Connor, would join his brother in Pittsburgh and learn to pave his own way in the NFL.


So what’s it like to be a Heyward? How do the pressures of living up to a family legacy compare to the pressure athletes put on themselves every day? And will this be the year Cam gets that elusive ring? We sit down with both brothers to find out.


Show Notes

Craig Heyward Hall of Fame Nominee | Pitt Football 
Chiefs vs. Steelers Week 4 Highlights, 2017 | NFL
Connor Heyward's first career touchdown | NFL
Cam Heyward shares emotional story about brother Connor’s first touchdown | All Steelers Talk
Why has Rodgers signed for the Steelers | BBC


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Meet the Heywards

From WHYY and PRX, this is Sports In America with David Greene, a new show that explores the stories that make sports the cornerstone of American life. Premieres September 30th 2025 on podcast feeds and public radio.

From WHYY and PRX, this is Sports In America with David Greene, a new show that explores the stories that make sports the cornerstone of American life. Premieres September 30th 2025 on podcast feeds and public radio.

Susannah Scaroni on the Magic Outside Your Comfort Zone

Transcript